Help needed for a 3d part gcode for mach3

[Rebekah_harper]

track plate 2004

this was saved as a 2004 version

[Clive S]

track plate 2004

this was saved as a 2004 version

I have opened it now but if you are learning cnc I think you will find that that part will be difficult to machine and I am sorry but is beyond me at this time. I think you will need a Cam program to convert it to gcode. But I am sure somebody will step in and help out. Good luck. ..Clive

[Rebekah_harper]

Ok, thank you for trying.

Good thing is that I am gaining control of cad software.

Just need a cam program that will deal with 3d parts

[Rebekah_harper]

Can any one test this part so I know if it the design or the cam software.

I tried BamCam but the part doesn't even appear.

[phill05]

I can open it up in Autocad and see the rail has been extruded but It appears there are no 3D faces, when DFX is imported into Artcam pro, (reads no 3D triangle data)

Phill

[JAZZCNC]

It opens fine in Solid works just the curved surfaces are not so smooth and made from straight lines. (Maybe meant to be that way.?)

To create this then I'd would do it mostly with 2D toolpaths and just use 3D for the curved surfaces. Depending on material then could even be done with all 2D toolpaths if profiled tooling was created or found, this would greatly speed up the cutting time.

[magicniner]

Save it as .igs or .iges for import into a wider range of CAM software packages.

I've just used Autodesk Inventor to open & Save As a .igs and opened it in BobCad Cam.
I guess you'll machine in two operations, the grooved side first and arrange a fixture or vice jaws that will hold the part for machining the second side.

To produce G-Code at least your tooling diameter and tip form ( flat, ball, flat with radius) with RPM, number of flutes and feed per tooth (both linear and plunge) also initial stock size would have to be defined in the CAM package to allow path generation for your machine.

I'm just clambering up the CAD/CAM learning curve but it looks to me as if you should be able to generate paths to cut the part with some fairly basic CAM functions, by defining a rectangular border to limit tool paths you could use most roughing functions and a surfacing function for both the slotted and the simpler side.
Regards,
Nick